Had to rip out $600 worth of LVP yesterday because someone didn't check the subfloor flatness first

The homeowner kept saying it looked fine but I measured a 3/8 inch dip across the living room and now they're paying double for a leveling pour, has anyone else dealt with customers who argue about prep work?

3 comments

3 Comments

ericj451mo agoMost Upvoted

Honestly just saw a guy on another forum say he flat out refuses to do any flooring job unless the customer signs off on a flatness check first. Learned that lesson the hard way myself after a similar headache with a wavy subfloor. People see cheap tile or wood online and think prep work is optional, but that 3/8 inch dip will haunt you forever.

the_spencer1mo ago

Okay I get why people do that but I personally think it's a bit much. If you're a good installer you should be able to handle some minor dips and bumps without making the customer sign a waiver. Part of the job is knowing how to work with what's there and not every floor is perfect. I've done plenty of floors where the subfloor wasn't textbook flat and they came out fine with proper techniques like using more thinset or shimming. Making someone sign a paper before you even start feels like you're setting up an excuse for bad work. It comes off as nervous or like you don't trust your own skills. Why do you feel you need that level of protection?

harper_foster1mo ago

ericj45 nailed it with that sign off idea, that's smart. I had a similar situation last year where a guy kept saying his subfloor was fine but I took a level and a long straight edge and showed him the dip right there. He still didn't want to pay for leveler so I told him straight up I'd have to walk if he didn't sign off on it. He finally agreed after I showed him pictures of what happens when you skip it. I learned the hard way too, now I make them sign a simple paper saying they understand the risks if they refuse prep. It's not about being rude, it's about covering yourself because that 3/8 inch dip will turn into cracked grout and popped seams real fast.